Carry-on luggage sizes confuse travelers

AirfareWatchdog.com founder George Hobica has logged hundreds of thousands of airline miles, but even he can be stumped by the carry-on size and weight limits.

Just before boarding a recent American Airlines flight, Hobica was told he couldn't take his carry-on luggage on board, even though he had carried the same bag on the same airline many times before.

"I was rejected. I was sent back to the check-in line because one dimension was 1 inch over the limit," Hobica said.

With rules varying among different airlines, experts recommend checking with companies on their carry-on bag restrictions before flying. Most allow travelers to bring on free carry-on bags, but mistaking the size can be a hit to the wallet.

For Hobica, he nearly missed his flight because he had to return to the ticket counter.

Mark Stern of Savinar Luggage in Canoga Park, a company that's been selling luggage for nearly 100 years, said the different carry-on rules can be downright mind-boggling for travelers.

"The airlines are making it very confusing," Stern said. "Then you get the situation where a customer comes in our store and they say 'I had no problem carrying my bag on the way up. It was the same exact plane on the way back and then they stopped me.'"

On American Airlines, U.S. Airways, Delta Airlines and United Airlines, the carry-on bag dimensions can't exceed 45 inches - that's the total of the length, width and height.

On Southwest Airlines and JetBlue, bags are restricted to 50 inches. Alaska Air is even more generous, allowing bags up to 51 inches.

But a 50-inch carry-on bag could cost an extra $150 each way on even a relatively short flight if two full size suitcases have already been checked in.

For instance, on American Airlines, the carry-on bag would have to be checked in as a third bag. That means it would cost $210 dollars for all three in addition to the airfare.

By contrast, Southwest Airlines allows two free checked-in bags and a more generous carry-on size allowance, so there's no extra charge for three pieces of luggage.

Those in the market for a new bag should see a dealer who knows the restrictions to avoid making a mistake.